Sky announces new and returning original comedies
February 2, 2023
Comedy on Sky is bouncing into 2023 like Farmer Jim on a pogo stick. As Brassic is back for a fifth season, and Intelligence confirms for a one-off special, our favourite returners are joined by four brand-new Sky Originals launching across the year with more to be announced.
We start with romantic comedy from Roughcut TV, Smothered (w/t), written by Monica Heisey (Schitt’s Creek), starring British talent Jon Pointing (Big Boys) and Danielle Vitalis (I May Destroy You) as two sex starved strangers who agree to some no strings fun. Until the strings begin to appear.
Ryan Sampson (Brassic, Plebs), authors Mr Bigstuff in which estranged brothers Glen (Sampson) and Lee, played by Danny Dyer (Eastenders) in his TV comedy debut, try to patch up a sibling rivalry that may well be beyond repair. Or beyond Spare.
Also hitting Sky screens in 2023 is the recently announced, Dreamland starring Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who) and Lily Allen (How to Build a Girl) following a family of four sisters, their mum and their nan in the seaside town of Margate.
And we wrap up the year with the Christmas special, Joy To The World (w/t), starring BAFTA winner Timothy Spall (Mr. Turner) and James Nesbitt (The Missing) as two Santa’s with very different agendas.
As part of today’s commissioning announcements, Sky released the first look trailer for Dreamland, a series about secrets, lies, loves and aspirations within a family of four sisters. Set in the sun-drenched British seaside town of Margate, it is a dark comedic exploration of multi-generational female relationships, and their (somewhat dysfunctional) family dynamics.
Speaking to the newly announced commissions, Jon Mountague, Director of Comedy at Sky Studios said: “2023 is going to be a blistering year for comedy on Sky. With returning favourites like Brassic and a crop of box fresh shows, with undeniably dynamic talent, Sky continues to be the home of UK comedy”
Ryan Sampson, writer and star of Mr Bigstuff: “As a particularly short gay dude, I’m fascinated by masculinity; by all the ways that we’re trying and failing to do it right. Maybe it’s because of some unresolved short-man issues. Maybe it’s because of that one time in PE when Mr Walker told me to “stop crying and start being a man, Sampson”. I probably should have gotten therapy, but instead I’ve written a show about it. It’s about fragile masculinity – about men and how fucked up we are. Also about families, and how fucked up they are too. I can’t believe how lucky I am in having Danny Dyer himself joining me for the ride.”
Danny Dyer, commenting on his role in Mr Bigstuff: “Following my nutty exit from Eastenders I feel like it’s time to recalibrate and try something a bit new. When I read the role of Lee I was honoured to be asked to develop an exciting character and explore his dysfunctional fucked up family relationships. I fell in love with Ryan Sampson while working with him on Plebs. I can’t wait to get involved with his incredible writing”
Monica Heisey said on Smothered (w/t):“As a superfan of romantic comedies, it’s been a dream come true to get a crack at one myself, especially with such a talented cast and crew.”
David Livingstone, exec producer for Brassic said: “Who can believe it. Series five. The only way to go on is to be more audacious and more ambitious than ever. Nobody is resting on their laurels. Five will be our best yet. It’s classic Brassic.”
Timothy Spall on his role in Joy To The World (w/t):“I’m delighted to be involved with this unique festive adventure. It’s a rare thing that a story has the perfect mixture of social commentary grit, suspense, emotional bite and original comedy, plus a myriad of Santas (one of them possibly the real one)! I’m looking forward to working with Ed Hall and the fabulous team that’s being packed up into what promises to be an extremely novel festive pressie!”
James Nesbitt said on his role: “It is incredibly exciting to be back in Belfast and part of something that is both funny, heartwarming and yet which also holds a mirror up to society. The script lifts your spirits while brilliantly addressing the cost of living crisis affecting so many families in the UK and Ireland right now. It’s also a joy to be reunited with my old cell mate Timothy Spall.”